Prologue to Series One
The series of stories, (COFFEE, THE MORNING AFTER, and NICE were done before I had any idea of writing so much or multiple chapter stories so forgive this. I do know it is confusing, particularly as there are three additional chapters after NICE which I will publish also as individual stories for consistency) which make up book one is an incomplete look at the period immediately after the closing of Cowley Station. As Season Five was closing, Claudine, the French woman who Joan had "fixed "Morse up with abruptly left to pursue her career as a photo journalist coving the Vietnam conflict. Morse, reverting to form, was drowning his sorrows in a pub when Joan found him. She, hearing the news had sought him out anticipating his reaction. She tries to help him by offering companionship as well as trying to stop him from drinking on an empty stomach. He, feeling sorry for himself, laughs it off and she leaves. He reconsiders, leaves the alcohol on the table and walks her home, much like old times. She invites him into her flat on the pretext of a cup of coffee. He, in a move which would have, in my experience, infuriated most women declines. He does for the first time offer her a kiss, even that is miscommunication as he goes for her cheek, while she expects it to be on her lips. The season ends with him turning up on her doorstep asking if the offer of a coffee still stands.
Book One begins at that point.
Detective Sergeant Morse and Joan Thursday have finally decided to communicate with each other rather than merely talk in passing. The results are somewhat predictable given the history that the two had over the years prior.
The real story of this period however is, as of the time of this writing remains largely untold. The primary reason is that despite the promise that was so abundant in the early part it ended so disastrously. Once this course became apparent the author felt no compunction to go back and revisit what he had written. Nor for that matter did he wish to add to it. He has been content to let the matter lie until now, only mentioning it as an adjunct to Book Two which, is itself incomplete. That is not to say that he may not revisit this period and fill in the gaps. In fact he suspects that some would be interested in the climactic event which brings this period to an abrupt close.
Anyone who reads the entire work will detect that the writers style changes. Partly this is a, hopefully, growth by the writer, and in part by a further understanding of the subject(s). They may also notice a look far into the future of this couple.
I do hope that you will find some enjoyment in what follows.